Bridge-Mounted String Bender Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional string benders for guitars often require movement of the guitar body or the strumming/picking hand to activate the bending mechanism, and may necessitate modifications to the guitar body, making them inconvenient for use in various musical styles and playing positions.
Innovation Solution
A string bender that mounts on the guitar bridge, using a cam mechanism secured by attachment fasteners and a rod system, allowing for string tension adjustment without moving the guitar body or strumming hand, and can be easily installed without modifying the guitar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional string benders are used, then string bending function is achieved, but guitar body movement or hand repositioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The string bender device performs the bending function automatically through the cam mechanism when the bar is pressed, eliminating the need for complex hand repositioning or body movement techniques. The device serves itself by converting simple bar pressure into precise cam rotation that bends the string.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional string benders are mounted on guitar, then string bending is enabled, but guitar body modification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The string bender is divided into separate components (body, cam, rod, bar) that can be assembled and installed as a modular unit. This segmentation allows for easier installation on different guitar types without requiring permanent modifications to the guitar body, as each component can be independently positioned and secured.
3Productivity
If cam rotation is used to change string tension, then pitch adjustment is achieved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex motorized or electronically controlled system to adjust pitch, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple mechanical cam mechanism that converts linear bar movement into rotational motion. This inverted mechanical approach achieves efficient pitch adjustment with minimal complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the bar is pressed to rotate the cam, then string bending is achieved, but force transmission precision must be high
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that amplify the operator's input force. As the bar is pressed, the cam rotates and its eccentric geometry dynamically converts this simple pressing motion into precise string tension changes, reducing the need for extremely high manufacturing precision in the force transmission path.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless string bending without altering the guitar's playing position or requiring strap tension changes, allowing for efficient pitch adjustment while maintaining a normal playing posture, and can be installed without modifying the guitar.
Implementation Method 1
a cam configured to fit within a first aperture of the body and to secure a string of the guitar, wherein when the cam is rotated from a first position to a second position, the cam changes tension of the string
Implementation Method 2
the cam includes a set screw to secure the cam to the rod
Implementation Method 3
a body configured to mount on a bridge of a guitar and to be secured using one or more attachment fasteners inserted through corresponding attachment apertures in the body
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations can include a string bender including a body configured to attach to a bridge of a guitar or other stringed instrument. Some implementations can include a bridge with an integrated string bender. The string bender can be constructed to bend one or more strings, for example the B and/or G strings. The string bender can also be constructed to fit a variety of guitar styles, such as Fender Telecaster or Stratocaster-style guitars.